Welcome seeks council member

February 7, 2013

WELCOME - A special election to fill a vacant seat on the Welcome City Council will be held in May.

Roger Morris was elected in November but moved out of town, leaving the seat vacant to start the new year.

At the City Council meeting this week, the council appointed former Mayor Jack Newville to fill the vacancy temporarily. Two former mayors - Newville and Eric Anderson - applied for the job. Newville won the appointment on a 3-1 vote, with Scott Scheff voting no. No motion was made to appoint Anderson.

Newville will be sworn in at the council meeting on Feb. 19.

Those who wish to run for the open council spot can sign up as a candidate between now and Feb. 19. The special election will be held May 7, with the elected candidate sworn in May 21.

"We have to use the same time frames as a general election," explained Mayor Bocky Borchardt.

In other business, the City Council:

o Approved a conditional use permit for the sale of diesel fuel at Casey's General Store.

o Discussed the number of supervisors for the public works department. Scheff, along with council member Scott Morrow, said they do not believe the supervising positions are necessary. Borchardt - who acts as one of the supervisors - believes the positions should be retained.

No action was taken on the discussion, but more specifics and possible action will be discussed at the next council meeting.